The United States has had tropical storm after storm over the past several weeks, and local American Red Cross volunteers jump at every chance to travel and help those in need after a storm makes landfall.

As Hurricane Ike made its way toward the Texas Gulf Coast late last week, concern arouse regarding the price and availability of gas. The storm, which hit Texas early Saturday, forced several refineries in that area to shutdown.

The national impact was evident around Lancaster County, as gas stations raised their prices and motorists scrambled to top off tanks in fear that fuel would run out.

Olisha Davis heard rumors Thursday that gas in the area would increase to $5 a gallon.

Residents who would like to have their say about a proposed property tax increase to cover costs associated with the fire at the Lancaster County Courthouse may address County Council during a special meeting Monday night.

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. and includes a public hearing on the proposed tax increase. Council is expected to hold final reading of an ordinance to raise taxes during the meeting.

If all's fair in love and war, then football ranks right up there with both.

Romance involving football rivals may make a place-kicking situation in tonight's Buford-Lancaster county clash an interesting scenario.

And extra points – usually regarded as routine plays – may not be so routine when the Jackets and Bruins tangle at BHS tonight.

That's because Lancaster High School senior place-kicker Anna Funderburk will be battling against her boyfriend, Buford High senior captain Joe Wright, a two-way starter at offensive guard and linebacker.

A fire at his Reeves Road home Sunday morning not only ruined those photos, but destroyed everything else inside.

As Boone and his live-in girlfriend, Tara Donahue, pick up the pieces, they remain puzzled about how the fire started.

Boone, Donahue and their children were away at a park picnic when the fire started about 10 a.m. Sunday. Donahue's mother called her after a neighbor on Reeves Road called 911 and got in contact with Donahue's family, telling them about the fire.